Native to Los Angeles, Amanda was captivated from a young age by the stark discrepancies in mental health services available to marginalized communities compared to the surrounding populations living only just next door. Prolonged exposure further lead her awareness of a growing divide for which there seemed no clear solution. Frustrated by a lack of meaningful social impact, Amanda was driven to commit her life to seeking clinical solutions to broad societal issues.
Upon being awarded her B.A. in Sociology from the University of California in San Diego, Amanda spent several years working as a behavioral therapist. Her experience with the diverse span of her clientele ultimately inspired her to enroll in the Masters of Social Work program at University of Southern California, through which she sought to elevate her reach by learning from the preeminent minds in her field.
Amanda developed a hands-on approach towards facilitating individual and group therapy while working directly with adults, teens, and families. Driven by the urgency to support individuals with their mental health needs, Amanda sought to engage directly vulnerable populations such as foster, LGBTQIA+, and CSEC youth. Her time in service to these communities of need would occupy nearly the next decade of her life. There she built a significant and impactful platform of expertise in supporting her clients with their repeated exposure to historical trauma, PTSD, grief/loss and implementing appropriate treatment plans for the unique demands of each.
When tailoring her therapeutic style, Amanda does so with a highly personalized approach, utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy practices with overtones of psycho-dynamic influences. More recently, she has become increasingly invested in modalities such as ACT and EFT. Of note, Amanda knows that environment significantly influences the way individuals feel, which drives her to provide a open and encouraging space where her clients can be empowered to grow and heal, and to be guided safely in the resolutions they seek.
Prelicense: California/ 100948
Supervisor: Janet (Bayramyan) Generales, LCSW (CA#88575) (FL#16210) (SC#15094) (TX #108071) (CT #12457)(NC #15765)